P0A61

What it means

P0A61 means the motor control module, usually inside the inverter, has detected that the current in phase V of drive motor A is lower than expected. It sets when the phase V current reading is below the plausible range, or well below what the commanded torque and the other phases would produce. The exact detection method and thresholds depend on the make and model.

Symptoms

• Hybrid or EV system warning light on the dashboard
• Reduced power or limp-home mode
• Car will not enter Ready mode or will not move
• Rough, juddering or jerky drive-off or acceleration
• Petrol engine running more than normal on a hybrid, or the engine failing to start
• Other drive motor or inverter fault codes stored alongside

Possible causes

• Phase V current sensor or its internal circuit faulty, usually part of the inverter assemblylikely
• Loose, corroded or damaged high-voltage phase cable or terminal between the inverter and motor on phase Vlikely
• Wiring or connector fault in the low-voltage sensor circuit (open circuit, high resistance, short to ground)possible
• Inverter power stage fault affecting phase V outputpossible
• Open circuit or internal fault in the drive motor windingpossible
• Low 12 V supply voltage or poor earth causing the control unit to misread sensor signalspossible
• Motor control module internal fault or outdated software, only where the manufacturer lists it as a known causerare

How to diagnose

1. Read all stored codes and freeze frame data, noting speed, torque request, temperature and voltage when the code set, and look for related inverter, motor position or phase U and W current codes
2. Check the 12 V battery condition and charging, and check for low-voltage supply or earth problems, as these can cause false readings
3. Check for technical service bulletins and software updates relevant to the model and fault code
4. Visually inspect the low-voltage sensor connectors and wiring at the inverter for damage, water ingress, corrosion or pin push-back
5. Have a high-voltage trained technician follow the manufacturer's shutdown and isolation procedure before touching any orange high-voltage cabling
6. Inspect the phase cables and terminals at the inverter and motor for tightness, heat marks, corrosion or damage, following the manufacturer's torque specification
7. Once isolated and verified safe, test motor winding resistance and insulation resistance against manufacturer data
8. Compare live phase current data for phases U, V and W under a controlled load test, if the model supports it, to see whether the phase V reading is the odd one out

How to fix

• Repair or replace damaged low-voltage wiring or connectors in the phase V current sensor circuit
• Clean, correct and re-torque the high-voltage phase connections, or replace damaged phase cables
• Replace the inverter or power module if the sensor or power stage is confirmed faulty, and carry out any required adaptation or setup
• Repair or replace the drive motor if the winding or insulation tests fail
• Restore the 12 V battery, charging or earth connections if low voltage or poor earth is found
• Update the control unit software only if the manufacturer identifies it as a fix for this fault

Can I keep driving?

Nearby codes

• P0A60GenericDrive Motor A Phase V Current
• P0A62GenericDrive Motor A Phase V Current High